(Book 5) Hayden Mackay and The Pride of Haima-Endira

39.2 Me, and Mine

The mid-afternoon sun peeked through the thick puffs of clouds. The bright sky, chilly breeze and a pleasant quiet atmosphere, the banners and the knights pitching the Paramarashtrian flag flying high and proud. It filled my heart just to see the diverse colors of the provinces. It never ceased to amaze me how much my impression and opinions have changed. In a strange kind of way, I'd fallen in love with this country.

Ashwant Veer joined the party. He had taken leisure for tasks such as gathering food and organizing and sat with us to have a few refreshments. Dhanunjay came running to us. He cried a bit remembering his friendship Lithika but quickly got over it when Pruthvi threatened to punch him senseless. Despite the bonding in the palace's verandah being too jovial and relaxing, a big chunk of my life was missing in the form of Nazira. I had no idea where she was, I had no clue if our little discussion had disappointed her.

Leena seemed desperate though. She kept looking back into the corridor every once in a while as if waiting for someone. At first, I thought if she was looking for her, but I was later proved wrong. A few moments later a maid came over holding something swaddled in blankets. Leena took it from her. Tiny wheatish toes peeked out of the blanket as the one inside it cuddled close to Leena. Her face brightened up, and eyes filling up as she showed him to us.

The tiny life, no more than six pounds, shared Leena or rather Lithika's features. Jet black hair with slight curls at the corners, full red lips and a dimple on his cheek. He barely cried and stayed alert. His glossy eyes stared at us as we glanced down at him one after the other. He stretched his hands and moaned. Celina went ahead and caressed his sensitive skin. He caught her pinky. She burst out with joy and took him wholly in her arms.

"What's his name?" Tyrell asked Pruthvi. "Why don't you tell us?"

Pruthvi and Leena shared a glance and smiled at each other. They both announced it together- "Viraj Krishna."

The verandah erupted with cheers once again and it attracted a few knights working outside the fence of the palace. Their announcement was too sudden and unexpected- Pruthvi and Leena together had taken the decision to adopt the child and giving it their name. My birthday this year was forever going to be etched in my memory and this was definitely one of the best days of our lives.

"It was Nazira's idea," said Pruthvi a few minutes later when the announcement sunk in. Only the guys were standing at the corner, while the girls played with the newborn. "She came up to us one day and said that no one deserved to remain parentless. Like we are. And Leena and I thought she is right. It took a little while to come to a decision."

"Dude," said Tyrell, "Better you than that lunatic Garg. That kid is one lucky dog."

"King Aghasthya is dealing with all the paperwork," Pruthvi said, and ran his hand through his hair, trying to hide his nervousness. "I hope I'm doing the right thing."

I held his shoulders. "Let's believe we're doing the right thing. Easy, isn't it? And you gave me another reason to fight hard for you in the Panchayat."

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Tyrell and Celina guzzled down the majority of the food.

Three tables aligned in columns, dedicated to appetizer, entree and dessert each. The aroma in the dining hall was rich and flavoury. Ashwant and Ira took the charge and served us. Servants had laid silver plates, and helping both of them in serving the royal Paramarashtrian dishes. The cuisine was exquisite regardless of a small number of guests. Everything, one can think of, were lying here waiting to be devoured. There was no room for manners at all- we talked, laughed, ate and reminisced.

"Sit!" Leena yelled at Nazira making her forcibly sit beside me. She just put me in a bit of an awkward position making her do that in front of my other friends. Sore throats suddenly began making clearing and coughing sounds. My aunt sitting at the other side nudged at me.